PHOENIX -- As expected, the Arizona Diamondbacks have activated center fielder A.J. Pollock and he was in the lineup for Friday nights game against the Cincinnati Reds.Pollock, an All-Star and Gold Glove winner last season, broke his right elbow in a head-first slide at home in a preseason game two days before the start of the regular season.Pollock was second in the batting order against the Reds behind Jean Segura and ahead of Paul Goldschmidt. The announcement of his name over the public address system at Chase Field during starting lineup introductions drew cheers.The Diamondbacks sorely missed Pollocks offense and defense in a season that went south in a hurry.He was jokingly asked to reintroduce himself to media during a pregame news conference.Its awesome to play the game I love again, and really just not even thinking about my elbow, which is incredible, Pollock said. In the beginning of the year, everyone was saying I was out for the whole season and was not coming back. For me, I didnt think for a second that I wasnt going to play this year.Pollock was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and outfielder David Peralta (right wrist inflammation) took his place.The plan for Pollock is to play him two days in a row followed by a day of rest. He said he might hesitate to slide head-first at the outset of his return.Im a player and I feel like if Im ready to play, I want to be out there, Pollock said. I prepared to play every single day and I think thats how your mindset has to be ... Just going to go out there and play my role.Outfielder Mitch Haniger was optioned to Triple-A Reno after Thursday nights game to make room for Pollocks return. Will Middlebrooks Jersey . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Rhys Hoskins Jersey . After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains second-half brace. http://www.philliesrookiestore.com/Phillies-Maikel-Franco-Kids-Jersey/ . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Nick Williams Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Pete Rose Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . While hockey fans spent the holiday weekend grilling and celebrating, NHL general managers were still working on their respective offseason blueprints and constructing rosters.After big-name free agents like Loui Eriksson (Vancouver Canucks), Milan Lucic (Edmonton Oilers), Kyle Okposo (Buffalo Sabres), Andrew Ladd (New York Islanders), David Backes (Boston Bruins) and Frans Nielsen (Detroit Red Wings) all signed on July 1, other unrestricted and restricted free agents agreed to their own deals the last couple of days.So before you head outside to clean up the backyard after the weekends festivities, grab a coffee and take a gander at what occurred while you werent paying attention to hockey.Floridas keys: young forwardsFlorida Panthers GM Tom Rowe has been extremely busy the last few days.He signed Reilly Smith, 25, to a five-year contract extension worth $25 million. The forward proved he could take his game to the next level last season and finished with 25 goals and 25 assists in 82 games. He also wore the A for the Panthers toward the end of the season.Reilly was a key player for our team last season, Rowe said. He is a valuable contributor to our offense and special teams, and is an important part of our talented group of forwards.Vincent Trocheck is one of those important forwards, so the Panthers inked him to a six-year deal worth $28.5 million. The 22-year-old forward registered 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 76 games last season.Vincent played an important role in our success last season and will be a prominent part of the Panthers for years to come, Rowe said. He is another piece of our talented young core of players.Rowe also signed UFA defenseman Jason Demers, 28, to a five-year deal worth $22.5 million.We are excited to siign Jason and we are thrilled he chose Florida, Rowe said.dddddddddddd He will play an integral role on our blue line and will help our transition game and special teams. This is another important signing for us this offseason.Jets gain the inside LaineIt didnt take long for the Winnipeg Jets to sign their recent first-round pick (No. 2 overall), Patrick Laine, to a three-year, entry-level deal worth $10.725 million. The 18-year-old forward is expected to make an immediate impact for the Jets in 2016-17. The Jets also signed goaltender Jamie Phillips to a two-year, entry-level deal worth $1.35 million.Veteran movesVeteran defenseman Roman Polak, 30, signed a one-year deal worth $2.25 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Forward P.A. Parenteau, 33, signed a one-year deal worth $1.25 million with the Islanders. Forward Shane Prince, 23, agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million with the Islanders. He had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 42 games during his rookie season with the Islanders and the Ottawa Senators. New York acquired Prince at the trade deadline last season, and he added three goals and one assist in 11 Stanley Cup playoff games for the Islanders.Still on the marketPlayers who are eligible can file for arbitration on Tuesday. Meanwhile, some valuable free agents remain on the open market, including forwards Kris Versteeg, Matt Cullen, Brandon Pirri?and?Shane Doan, along with defensemen Dennis Seidenberg, Matt Carle and Dan Boyle.So, now that the holiday is over, the rest of the week should become a bit busier around the league before GMs retreat to their cottages and golf clubs. ' ' '